Q. What motivated you to start Surya the Global School?
A. I come from a lower-middle-class background involved in agriculture. Even during my tenure as a bank manager, my commitment to supporting financially disadvantaged children persisted, extending beyond professional confines to include the children of my domestic help. This sense of social responsibility is ingrained in my family, with a generational concern for societal well-being.
Upon resigning as a Senior Manager from a reputed bank in India, I ventured into business, achieving financial success. Throughout my journey, I recognized the transformative power of education, leading me to establish Surya the Global School. Central to my vision is the belief in the significance of grooming children, understanding that responsible parents aspire to nurture and guide their offspring.
Q. What do you believe is the role of philanthropy in education?
A. My personal experiences of facing challenges in obtaining quality education during childhood have deeply informed my commitment to educational philanthropy. My initial foray into the realm of education began as a charitable endeavour. Philanthropy in education plays a pivotal role in elevating the standards of learning for students. This realization dawned upon me during charity work with government schools. While initially engaged in charitable initiatives, after founding RG Rao Charitable Trust we ultimately founded Surya the Global School.
Sustained motivation and unwavering commitment are essential elements for success. Beyond monetary aid, understanding the intricacies of students’ needs and actively fostering an environment that boosts their self-respect and self-esteem is crucial for their long-term success. Today, the impact of our charitable efforts extends beyond one single institution, reaching students in various parts of Telangana, irrespective of their school affiliations.
An illustrative example of this commitment is a talented fine arts student from a village in Telangana who secured a seat at JNTU and sought support. In response, I helped provide financial assistance and gave moral support to the student.
Q. What is the role of the teacher in the educational process?
A. It is multifaceted. First and foremost, the teacher’s ‘intention’ is a critical aspect, underscoring the need for careful selection of educators. Commitment from all members of the institution is paramount, recognizing that education extends beyond the classroom to encompass the entire school environment. Moreover, the teacher must possess the ability to reflect honestly on the ongoing educational process. This reflective stance is essentialfor evaluating and improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning. The teacher emerges as the primary influence in shaping the child, emphasizing the importance of support from the institution’s management.
Q. What does Surya the Global School stand for?
A. Surya the Global School stands as a beacon for the comprehensive development of our students, emphasizing quality in academic, sports, and co-curricular domains. Holistic development is the cornerstone of our ethos. Central to our philosophy is the establishmentof a robust partnership between parents and the school, fostering holistic development beyond school hours. We prioritize building and sustaining deep relationships with parents, instilling a sense of shared responsibility for the child’s well-being. Our approach positions the school as a supporting system during the child’s time within its walls.
Furthermore, I am planning to start a school based on the ‘gurukul system’ of education, rooted in strong moral values and emphasizing the holistic well-being of the child—mind, body, and soul. This approach will be underpinned by the rich heritage of Indian Knowledge Systems.
Q. The primary aim of education in the past was to make individuals become responsible citizens, today it is to prepare them to get jobs. Your comment.
A. In the past, education aimed to shape responsible citizens, while today it’s often seen as a pathway to employment. I believe the focus on skill-based education, in line with NEP 2020, is a positive step. It not only imparts practical skills but also instills moral values and discipline, shaping well-rounded individuals.
Vocational education is a crucial aspect. It equips students with practical skills relevant to the workforce, fostering a sense of self-discipline and dedication. Regardless of their future paths, these qualities become a foundation for success. Education should blend the practical and the ethical, preparing students not just for jobs but for life.
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges facing education today?
A. Currently, I feel, the most significant challenges in education revolve around the pervasive distractions and potential hazards posed by social media and other communication and entertainment platforms. We’re actively addressing these challenges, recognizing the essential role of parents in this process. Since the child spends only a limited time at school, parent involvement is crucial for understanding the child’s development trajectory.
We emphasize the importance of parents spending quality time with their child daily, fostering a direct and impactful connection. This not only contributes to the child’s current development but also shapes their future actions. Our comprehensive curriculum addresses these challenges by encompassing various aspects crucial for navigating the modern educational landscape.
Q. What are the unique features of Surya the Global School’s curriculum?
A. We offer both Cambridge and CBSE syllabus. Our focus extends beyond traditional academics, emphasizing the overall development of each student. We conduct specialized counselling sessions addressing pertinent issues such as social media use. These sessions are facilitated by experts who guide students towards a balanced and responsible approach to technology. We have embraced ‘new age’ technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence, providing specialized training to our teachers. We believe in a collaborative approach where parents play an integral role in their child’s educational journey.
